Graduated as an architect in 1957 from the National Faculty of Architecture at the University of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro. Bernardo began his professional career during the “Golden Years,” a transformative period in Brazilian history marked by the initiative to “develop 50 years in 5,” fostering growth in Brazilian industries.

Between 1963 and 1967, Bernardo worked on interior architecture at Oca, designing approximately 70 pieces of furniture for residential use in jacaranda and straw under the collection Desenho Brasileiro. These items were sold at the Chica da Silva store, owned by costume designer Kalma Murtinho. In the same period, he also crafted a line of office furniture for Hermax Móveis. Additionally, during the 1960s, he introduced Amak Monobloco, a popular furniture line produced by Silecia and showcased at the 1966 Berlin International Fair.

At the invitation of Ambassador Wladimir Murtinho (1919-2003), Figueiredo contributed to the design of furniture for the Itamaraty Palace, collaborating with a team that included Jorge Hue (1923-), Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992), Sérgio Rodrigues (1927-2014), and Karl Heinz Bergmiller (1928-). Beyond furniture design, Bernardo also engaged in graphic design, international fair design, interior design, architecture, and urbanism.